Understanding how Immigration New Zealand’s newest replace opens new alternatives for employers and migrant employees.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced a significant replace to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework.
From 3 November 2025, INZ will formally start recognising 87 new occupations underneath the Nationwide Occupation Checklist (NOL) at Talent Ranges 1–3.
That is a part of INZ’s gradual transition away from the outdated Australia and New Zealand Customary Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) system — a transfer designed to higher replicate New Zealand’s trendy labour market.
What Is the Nationwide Occupation Checklist (NOL)?
The NOL replaces the outdated ANZSCO classification and supplies a extra correct reflection of the expertise and roles presently in demand in New Zealand.
It’s designed to be up to date yearly, guaranteeing coverage choices maintain tempo with altering labour market realities.
Though ANZSCO codes can nonetheless be used for now, INZ is transferring towards a full transition to the NOL — starting with these 87 occupations from November 2025.
What This Means for Employers
In case you’re an accredited employer underneath the AEWV scheme, this alteration is instantly related to you.
From 3 November 2025:
- You possibly can recruit abroad employees in one of many newly recognised NOL occupations.
- Job Test purposes should use the right NOL code that finest matches the job description and pay price.
- The regular AEWV guidelines nonetheless apply — together with proof of real makes an attempt to recruit New Zealanders, market price compliance, and accreditation validity.
Tip: Overview your present Job Test templates and job descriptions now. Ensure that they replicate the NOL occupation wording and tasks precisely to keep away from delays or rejections.
What This Means for Migrant Staff
If you’re planning to use for an Accredited Employer Work Visa, or already maintain one, this announcement might increase your choices considerably.
It’s possible you’ll qualify for an AEWV underneath one of many new NOL occupations in case you have:
- Not less than 3 years of instantly related work expertise, or
- A recognised qualification aligned together with your nominated function.
Migrants in Talent Stage 4 or 5 roles may additionally be capable to transition into one among these newly recognised occupations — in the event that they meet the eligibility standards.
Potential advantages:
- Prolonged keep intervals
- Household visa eligibility
- Stronger residence pathway alignment
Why This Issues
This coverage shift indicators the Authorities’s ongoing effort to align immigration with labour market wants.
The introduction of the NOL provides extra recognition to evolving job roles — particularly in rising industries and mid-skill sectors — guaranteeing that immigration settings stay sensible and truthful.
For employers, it’s an opportunity to fill vital talent gaps extra effectively.For migrants, it opens doorways to higher long-term visa and residence prospects.
Motion Guidelines
For Employers
- Verify your accreditation is legitimate or due for renewal.
- Replace job descriptions and commercials to replicate NOL occupation titles.
- Align remuneration with NOL-defined talent ranges 1–3.
- Reassess your recruitment pipeline and establish new roles that now qualify.
For Migrants
- Test in case your function seems on the listing of 87 newly recognised NOL occupations.
- Put together documentation displaying expertise or {qualifications} related to the occupation.
- Search recommendation from a Licensed Immigration Adviser earlier than lodging an software.
The Greater Image
The rollout of NOL-based recognition inside AEWV marks a transitional part in New Zealand’s work visa panorama.
It should proceed to evolve — with extra occupations prone to be added in subsequent updates as INZ completes the shift from ANZSCO.
Employers and migrants who adapt early will get pleasure from smoother processing, fewer compliance points, and higher certainty in workforce planning.
Want Personalised Steerage?
In case you’re an employer planning to rent underneath the AEWV or a migrant employee exploring your visa choices, our staff at Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd might help you navigate these adjustments confidently.
Our Licensed Immigration Advisers are skilled in managing AEWV purposes and employer accreditation compliance — guaranteeing you stay absolutely aligned with Immigration NZ necessities.
Creator Particulars
Vandana Rai
(LIA 201400900)
Director
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has constructed a fame round her uncommon set of expertise, which may very well be thought-about ultimate for her authorized career.
